Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals Match Player Stats
Introduction
The Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals, two formidable teams in the NFC West division, face off with every matchup bringing electric plays, standout performances, and intense competition.
As these teams continue to vie for dominance in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, it’s crucial to break down individual player performances to understand the factors that lead to victory or defeat.
Whether you’re an avid fan or a casual viewer, examining the key player stats gives a fresh perspective on the game’s outcome. In this post, we’ll delve deep into the player statistics from the latest matchup between these two teams, offering insights into top performances, standout moments, and key stats that defined the game.
Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals: A Brief Overview
The Rams and Cardinals share a heated rivalry in the NFC West, often producing high-intensity games filled with thrilling moments. Both teams feature elite talent, with some of the league’s top quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive players.
In their most recent matchup, each team showcased their strengths—though only one could emerge victorious. Let’s dive into the key player statistics and breakdowns from the game.
Key Offensive Player Stats – A Battle of the Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford vs Kyler Murray: A Quarterback Duel
At the center of any football game are the quarterbacks, and the matchup between Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) and Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) was one to watch. Both quarterbacks are known for their big play capabilities and leadership skills, but their performances in this game varied.
Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
- Passing Yards: 290
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Completion Percentage: 67%
- Passer Rating: 105.0
Matthew Stafford delivered an impressive performance in this game. While he threw an interception, Stafford’s ability to stretch the field and make critical throws at key moments was on display. His two touchdowns were crucial in the Rams’ offensive attack, showcasing his leadership and ability to perform under pressure.
Stafford’s 67% completion rate, combined with his 105.0 passer rating, highlighted his efficiency and accuracy, especially on third downs and deep passes.
Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
- Passing Yards: 230
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 2
- Completion Percentage: 63%
- Passer Rating: 85.5
Kyler Murray’s performance, while solid, was marked by inconsistency. He threw for over 230 yards but also tossed two interceptions, which contributed to the Cardinals’ struggles. Murray’s completion percentage of 63% was respectable, but his inability to avoid turnovers hurt his team.
The Cardinals’ offense was hindered by these mistakes, as they couldn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities. Murray did manage to find the end zone once through the air, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Rams’ defensive pressure.
The Running Game – A Tale of Two Backfields
Running backs often determine the pace of a game, and both teams leaned on their rushing attack to complement their passing games. However, both teams’ rushing performances were relatively balanced.
Darrell Henderson (Los Angeles Rams)
- Rushing Yards: 85
- Rushing Touchdowns: 1
- Yards per Carry: 4.5
Darrell Henderson provided stability in the Rams’ rushing attack, picking up 85 yards on 19 carries. His touchdown helped the Rams maintain control of the game, as his ability to gain yards consistently kept the Arizona defense honest.
Henderson’s yards per carry (4.5) was a testament to his patience and vision, allowing him to exploit gaps in the defense when they presented themselves.
James Conner (Arizona Cardinals)
- Rushing Yards: 70
- Rushing Touchdowns: 1
- Yards per Carry: 3.9
James Conner played a crucial role in the Cardinals’ offense. He rushed for 70 yards and added a touchdown. However, Conner struggled with efficiency, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry.
While he was still able to get in the end zone once, his runs often came in short bursts, and the Cardinals were unable to break off any major runs. The Rams’ defensive line did an excellent job of limiting Conner’s big-play ability, forcing the Cardinals to rely more heavily on Murray’s arm than they would have liked.
Wide Receiver Showdown – Kupp vs Hopkins
In a high-powered offense, wide receivers often steal the show, and this game featured two of the league’s best: Cooper Kupp for the Rams and DeAndre Hopkins for the Cardinals.
Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)
- Catches: 9
- Receiving Yards: 145
- Touchdowns: 1
- Yards per Catch: 16.1
Cooper Kupp was the standout receiver of the game. He caught 9 passes for 145 yards and added a touchdown. Kupp’s ability to create separation from defenders and make crucial catches on third downs was pivotal in the Rams’ victory.
His yardage was among the highest of his career, showcasing his elite skill set. Kupp’s consistency and ability to make plays in clutch moments made him the top target for Stafford.
DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals)
- Catches: 7
- Receiving Yards: 110
- Touchdowns: 0
- Yards per Catch: 15.7
DeAndre Hopkins was Kyler Murray’s primary target throughout the game, hauling in 7 receptions for 110 yards. Although Hopkins didn’t score a touchdown, his 15.7 yards per catch demonstrated his ability to stretch the field and move the chains. Hopkins’ physicality and contested-catch ability were on full display, but the Rams’ defense did a good job of limiting his impact, preventing him from breaking free for any major yardage gains.
Defensive Impact – The Forces on Both Sides
While the offense generates excitement, defense wins games, and both teams had their defensive stars step up in key moments.
Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams)
- Tackles: 5
- Sacks: 2
- Tackles for Loss: 3
- Quarterback Hits: 4
Aaron Donald was a force throughout the game. He had 2 sacks and a significant number of quarterback hits, disrupting Kyler Murray’s rhythm. Donald’s presence in the backfield forced the Cardinals’ offensive line to adjust, and his relentless pressure played a big part in Murray’s struggles. Donald’s ability to create havoc and collapse the pocket was critical to the Rams’ defensive success.
J.J. Watt (Arizona Cardinals)
- Tackles: 4
- Sacks: 1
- Tackles for Loss: 2
- Quarterback Hits: 3
J.J. Watt delivered a solid performance, racking up a sack and a few quarterback hits on Stafford. Watt’s veteran leadership and ability to create pressure were crucial in keeping the Rams’ offense from getting too comfortable. However, he couldn’t generate enough pressure to consistently disrupt Stafford, which allowed the Rams to maintain their offensive flow.
Special Teams – A Silent Yet Key Contributor
Special teams often go unnoticed, but both teams benefited from solid performances in the kicking game.
Matt Gay (Los Angeles Rams) – Kicker
- Field Goals Made: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 100%
- Long: 48 yards
Matt Gay was flawless in his kicking duties, making all three of his field goals, including a long of 48 yards. His contributions ensured that the Rams kept putting points on the board when they needed them most, helping to maintain their lead.
Matt Prater (Arizona Cardinals) – Kicker
- Field Goals Made: 2
- Field Goal Percentage: 100%
- Long: 44 yards
Matt Prater kept the Cardinals in the game with his successful kicks, including a 44-yard field goal. While he didn’t have as many opportunities as Gay, Prater made the most of his chances, giving the Cardinals some hope with his consistent leg.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Rams emerged victorious in this NFC West clash, thanks to standout performances from Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Aaron Donald.
Their offensive balance and defensive dominance were too much for the Arizona Cardinals, who saw strong efforts from Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins but ultimately struggled with turnovers and consistency.
The Rams’ ability to execute on offense while making key defensive stops was the difference in this highly competitive matchup.
Moving forward, both teams will need to refine their game plans to remain contenders in the NFC West, but the performances from these key players provide plenty of optimism for their respective fanbases.
What did you think of the Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals matchup? Which player impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments below!
